Proving that campaign vetting should extend beyond vice presidential contenders (or those vetting the potential veeps), McCain sparked the ire of the song’s co-writer, the founding member of Orleans and current New York congressman, John Hall.

“This is yet another example of John McCain not learning anything from George Bush’s mistakes,” Hall wrote First Read in an interview over e-mail. “First, McCain adopted Bush’s failed policy of an open-ended war in Iraq, then he wrapped his arms around the failed Bush economic policies that have put the squeeze on middle class families. Now, he’s making the same mistake George Bush made illegally using a copyrighted song without asking either the writers or the performers for permission.”

John Riley of Spin Cycle thinks maybe Representative Hall may be overdoing it tad: “Notice that this quote conflates Iraq, a bloody war, with the use of a catchy little ditty. Maybe Rep. Hall needs to lighten up a little bit, instead of hyperventilating over something that doesn’t really matter that much?”

The Opinionator sympathizes with Hall, but wonders if his real outrage should be directed at whoever thought this album cover was a good idea.

Opinionator apparently chooses takes a cheap shot at Orleans, and John Hall, instead of pursuing the initial topic – the unauthorized use of a copyrighted composition and popular master recording without the permission of those who own the rights.

If Mr. Hall (and the other composers, lyricists, and owners of the master recording) do NOT wish this song used, their rights as creative artists should be respected, not mocked.

But this is America in 2008, where broadcast radio continues to exploit the use of decades of american music cretivity, and DOESN”T PAY A DIME FOR ITS USE!

Opinionator would be better off questioning the sentiment inherent in the use of “Still the One”, as if Senator McCain would have us believe he was EVER the one – or does he perhaps mean, “I’m Still Bush”? Hmm….

Rep. Hall’s claim is beyond ridiculous. So much for the First Amendment that allowed him to write the song in question. Artists put their music out there and allow the masses to interpret and use it in any variety of manners. Rep. Hall should pull out his pocket Constitution, read those important 45 words of the 1st Amendment, and allow free expression to reign.

The way the Republican party has been going, if John McCain is illegally using copyrighted material, he’s simply telegraphing that among his priorities as president would be to go after illegal downloads and similar copyright violations.

As a writer, I guess I shouldn’t mind that, but the way the Republicans have made hypocrisy the central pillar of their party has destroyed satire. If one were to rank their sins, the damage they’ve done to satire would surely go somewhere between Iraq and the Constitution.

Republicans try to hijack a song reminds me of Springsteen griping about Reagan hijacking Born in the USA. Maybe John Hall can rush a remake parody called “McCain’s not the one.” Im still having fun but Mcains not the one.

Maybe I’m missing something here, but the link did not adequately justify McCain’s use of the song.

The link talks about why the image is not in copyright violation because it falls under “fair use” rules. In a nutshell, the fair use rule says one can republish parts of a property for comment or education, provided the part is small and does not impair the value of the whole.

Parody is another use (not the same as “fair use”) of intellectual property that does not violate copyright (the “Pretty Woman” debate.)

Playing the entire song repeatedly at appearances before large crowds over months is NOT fair use. It’s violation of copyright, and is, essentially, theft.

Unless, of course, McCain is presenting a parody, and he’s NOT the one?

Rep. Hall’s claim is beyond ridiculous. So much for the First Amendment that allowed him to write the song in question. Artists put their music out there and allow the masses to interpret and use it in any variety of manners. Rep. Hall should pull out his pocket Constitution, read those important 45 words of the 1st Amendment, and allow free expression to reign.

— Posted by buckybacker97

Bucky, you fail to understand “free speech” as protected under the US Constitution.

You have the right to say anything of your own opinion at any time to anyone who will listen on public property. You may not tell lies, incite violence, force your audience to listen, trespass on private property (or public property leased for private purposes) or steal someone else’s words. They have to be your own words.

McCain is simply not the person to lead the country. I care not to use harsh comments to prove it, but suffice it to say that his pandering of late is beyond the dignity that he had managed to acquire. Yes, there is that part of deserting the woman who waiting for his return but I can forgive him that foible. The adoption of a close relationship with Bush is what I find reprehensible. Bush was not good for American and we suffer for it. McCain does not have the vision to lead the country. For McCain, it is simply a collection of pandering positions… Its unfortunate. he was a better man 12 years ago and would have won my vote then. No longer, Barack has my support.

When did the Left and Right switch roles? This year, the Left has become the sniping, petty party of name calling and smears, while the Right is partying to rock and roll! “We’re still havin’ fun”, but McCain is still a serious man of values who should be treated with respect. Grow up.